Uganda wins historic Cecafa 12th title

[Posted 11 Dec 2011][By Brighton Mupangavanhu]

Uganda needed a penalty lottery to make sure of a 12th CECAFATusker Senior Challenge Cup in winning 3-2 against Rwanda in a tense final played at the National Stadium in Dar-es-Salam on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams had been unseperated after regulation time, with the tie ending 2-2.

The Cranes of Uganda had come from behind twice to force a penalty shoot-out. Meddie Kagere scored twice for Rwanda in the second half, but twice Uganda replied.The first equaliser came from Isaac Isinde, before Oliver Karekezi scored an own goal to bring the Cranes back into the game.

What a painful way to lose a final for the gallant Amavubi.

Uganda's keeper Abel Dhaira became an instant hero, using his experience to save two penalties from Peter Kagabo and Eric Gasana, while Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza's effort smashed against the woodwork. Kagere and Haruna Niyonzima's successful attempts were in vain for Rwanda.

Isaac Isinde, Hamis Kiiza and Andy Mwesigwa scored Uganda Cranes’ kicks but Moses Oloya had his saved by Jean Claude Ndoli while Habib Kavuma shot his over the bar.

The two finalists, Rwanda and Uganda had something in common. They showed their class by beating the highest ranked nation at the tournament,guests Zimbabwe. Amavubi beat the Warriors' developmental side 2-0 during the group stages, while the Cranes eliminated them during the quarter-finals, beating 1-0.